Potential hydro power sites being evaluated

Five out 67 potential sites are currently being assessed by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) for the development of hydropower generation facilities, according to Minister of Public Infrastructure David Patterson.

According to a Government Information Agency (GINA) report, Patterson identified the five sites as Kamira, Kumu, Tumatumari, Tiger Hill and Amaila and indicated that they will be using $80M from the Norway funds that had been set aside for renewable energy development.

“At the end of this process, we will obviously assess them, however we will look to use the $80M in the most acceptable means of renewable energy,” he said.

Patterson also told GINA that the administration, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is holding discussions with the Brazilian government and other interested stakeholders to seek additional funding for the hydro power/renewable energy project. He mentioned that a company has an MoU with them for the Kumu Falls, which will be retained to develop the falls. He also said his ministry is seeking expressions of interest to resuscitate the Moco Moco hydropower station, while explaining, “It’s always a question of time and cost.”